Laser Image Processing and Control Systems Engineer

The Opportunity
MBDA are the lead for the DragonFire laser directed energy demonstrator, which is UK MoDs future vision for a laser effector. A vacancy has arisen for a scientist/engineer to work in Bristol on the technology aspects, specifically imaging through atmospheric turbulence.
The Role

• Lead an optics laboratory for the design, development and testing of imaging and control for precision laser pointing in the presence of atmospheric turbulence
• Conduct research on new optical and image processing techniques for laser pointing and tracking
• Assisting in the evaluation of demonstrators through off-site trials in the UK and overseas
• Carry out supporting simulation work to support laboratory and outdoor trials results
• Develop a research strategy in image processing and control
• Be at the forefront of science and engineering for laser directed energy

What's in it for you?

• Interesting and exciting work, giving you the opportunity to work on some truly innovative and world-class technology
• Opportunities to manage projects through their full lifecycle, from the laboratory to customer delivery
• Frequent opportunities to gain visibility for you and your work at the highest level both inside and outside the company
• Having a varied 'day-job'
• Excellent training opportunities in a broad range of relevant subjects; achieved through formal training courses and/or on-the-job training
• Opportunities to develop new skills through interaction with specialist areas within MBDA

What's great about the team?

• Become part of a very diverse team of highly motivated scientists and engineers, who are genuinely interested in their fields
• Frequent exposure to high-profile, fast-paced projects
• Work on projects varying from a few weeks duration to several years
• Enjoy a high level of autonomy and 'freedom to tinker'
• Have ready access to in-house experts to supplement knowledge
• Contribute to high-level VIP visits in support of senior management
• Opportunity to attend international conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field
• Undertaking this role you would be joining a dynamic, focussed team responsible for the development of our future business.

What are we looking for?

• Creativity, imagination and the ability to innovate
• Ideally holding a higher degree (e.g. Masters or PhD) in a physical sciences or engineering discipline
• Significant practical knowledge / laboratory skills using lasers, optics and imaging, with practical industry experience
• Deep understanding in the physics of atmospheric turbulence, and current state of the art compensation techniques
• Ability to automate and control of test and measurement equipment for data capture (such as LabView)
• Record of successful technical work delivered individually and/or as part of a team
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and often from a blank sheet of paper
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, backed by working knowledge of Office software
• Ability to use well-known computer simulation codes to carry out optical simulations(such as Matlab, Zemax)
• Ability to write computer code to analyse large datasets (such as Matlab or Python)
• Familiarity of systems requirements capture and management

What would you get?

• Competitive salary, flexible working, paid overtime (subject to level), a comprehensive pension scheme, employee funded voluntary private healthcare, sporting activities, fantastic site facilities, bonus schemes (subject to level) and superb learning and development opportunities.
  
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